LimitationsOnly for participants without gait aid who are functioning well in the communitySupervisor to participant ratio entails that exercises are more cautious rather than challenging for balance componentsRecommendations for ImplementationThe Physiotherapist should :Include pre screening and ongoing outcome measure monitoring Follow FITT-VP guidelinesEmphasize safety and be cautious with progression Use simple language and gestures for demonstrationUse appropriate music to set the pace of classKey Learning IdeasThe most useful outcome measures for monitoring functional performance include: 10MW, TUG, SF-36, DEMMI, CTSIBThe application of FITT-VP principles for elderly in communityThe characteristics of a successful balance training class require a variety of types of exerciseA good balance exercise program should be both safe and challenging

Introduction to FallsApproximately 30% of community-dwelling elderly aged over 65 have at least one fall each year (Lord, Ward, Williams, & Anstey, 1993)Falls lead to many serious consequences including:painfracturesimpaired functionfear of fallingloss of independencereduced confidence in activities and community participation Participant PreparationParticipants shouldWear:Comfortable clothing & well-fitting shoesClosed-ended shoes with a slip-resistant hard sole & low heel height, as is recommended to prevent falls in elderly (Menant et al., 2008).

Bring:water or light snacks for hydration & comfortpositive attitude!Environment & DescriptionOur exercise program is designed to run at the local community centreDuration of 45 minutesClass offered twice daily Aim for participants to attend 3-5 times per week in order to receive benefit (Garber et al, 2011)

The class will be taught and supervised by a physiotherapist and allied health assistant, and would accommodate on average 6 to 12 participants per session

The class will be accompanied with songs set at 120-126 BPM during the warm up and main exercise components, and with songs of 60-90 BPM for the cool down component

Monitoring Effects of Intervention During the Class:the intensity of the class aimed at a moderate level will be measured with the Borg RPE scale.